This chili recipe is variable, of course-isn't that partly what chili is (throw in what you have)? I really like the flavors of this chili. My husband hates chili, but he really enjoys this-so that's a big plus! I don't always make it exactly the same, but it always has a good flavor!
2 TBLS oil or butter or bacon or sausage grease (could be a combination of these-the bacon or sausage grease is of course totally optional, but it gives it a more hearty, man loved flavor)
1/2-1 onion, chopped (I like a lot of onion)
3-6 cloves garlic, minced (I like a LOT of garlic too!)
Saute the onion and garlic in the oil.
Add:
up to 1 lb of bacon, hamburger, or chicken or any meat that you would like, if you have it (I often don't have any meat and I love this just with the beans-so I go either way on this quite often though bacon is my favorite-I usually only do half of a package of bacon-just enough to get some good bacon flavor in there-this is the way to get a man that doesn't really care for chili to love it-add bacon)
2 cans kidney beans
If you did not add meat, for sure add more beans, if you added meat, 2 cans is enough, but you can throw in more if you want to: Add 1-2 cans any other beans that you want to add (black, pinto, white, more kidney)
Add 1 can of beef broth or 2 cubes of beef broth and 2 cups of water.
Let simmer for a bit to soak into beans a little more and dissolve the beef broths cubes.
Add 2 cans diced tomatoes-fire-roasted are really good (or do 1 diced and 1 tomato sauce-which is what I often do because my hubby prefers no chunks of tomatoes-I have also added a fresh garden tomato or two to get that great fresh garden tomato flavor.
Add to taste, but approximately for mild flavor follow below-for a more spicy flavor 1 1/2 to 2 x's the spices:
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp-1 TBLS chili powder (Start with 1, it's pretty spicy with just 1)
1 tsp of chipolte powder (I often haven't had this, but it does add a nice flavor if you have it)
1 TBLS cocoa powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 TBLS brown sugar
I sometimes add 1 cup of frozen corn, depending on if I have it, and my mood.
Stir together and let the spices soak in while simmering. You can pretty much eat it at any time or let it simmer for a long time. I like to stir in some greek yogurt, spinach, and nacho chips when I eat it and it is delicious!! You can sprinkle cheese, sour cream, or whatever you like on top!
